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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A senator from rural Nebraska has proposed a ballot measure to guarantee farming and ranching rights in the state constitution.

Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell introduced an amendment Wednesday to prevent state officials from passing restrictions on agricultural technology and livestock production without a compelling state interest.

Missouri and North Dakota passed similar “Right to Farm” measures after rural lawmakers argued that farming needed to be protected from environmental groups and animal rights activists.

Critics in those states argued that the proposals would prevent regulators from passing rules to ensure that animals are treated humanely and the environment is protected.

The constitutional amendment would require voter approval if lawmakers pass it. Voters in 2012 adopted an amendment that guarantees the right to hunt and fish.